The best website to look for jobs

Methods of Job Search for Alumni

There are various methods for finding employment, including networking, working with executive recruiters (headhunters) or search agencies, responding to job postings on websites or in magazines or newspapers, visiting job fairs, and cold phoning. Try all options, but prioritize the ones that are most likely to result in a job.

The ideal strategy differs depending on experience level and professional industry, but for everyone, networking is recognized as the most effective job search activity, resulting to 50-70 percent of all employment. This number makes sense since many positions are unpublished, that is, they are filled before they are advertised. Executive recruiters may also be an excellent source of leads for a seasoned expert looking to stay in the same sector. Recruiters are paid between 20% and 33% of the position's compensation (by the business) and often hold senior roles. Networking is also the most successful job search approach for younger or less experienced people, and it should take up the majority of a job seeker's time. It is also a wise use of time to spend time setting up job search agents and then responding to pertinent job posts. Unsolicited resumes are the least likely to result in a job and should get the least amount of job search time.

NETWORKING

Networking is the most efficient approach to learn about occupations and, eventually, to find employment. According to research, networking leads to a job considerably more often than other job search strategies such as replying to job advertising, visiting job fairs, or sending unsolicited applications. Often, networking is the only method to discover about "unpublished" opportunities, which are not advertised and may not even exist yet. People who are looking for employment should spend the majority of their time networking in order to find a job that is a good match in the shortest period of time.

What exactly is networking? Networking is not the same as looking for jobs. It involves requesting information, suggestions, and comments as part of a job hunt that may lead to a position. Anyone can learn how to do it. Review the Alumni Networking Guide for further information.

EXECUTIVE SEARCHERS

Executive recruiters, commonly referred to as "headhunters," may be a great source of employment leads. They often hire for more senior, higher-paying roles. Recruiters work for themselves and are compensated by the firm that hires them. Contingency recruiters prefer to fill mid- to upper-level vacancies. They will be one of numerous agencies attempting to fill an employer's employment opening. They are normally paid 20 – 30 percent of the yearly pay of the post and are only paid if they successfully fill a position. They are driven to identify a candidate that closely meets the job criteria as soon as possible. As a result, they might be highly attentive when they believe you are a possible candidate for a position, and less so when they do not believe you are a fit for the roles they are searching for. Retained recruiters perform exclusive searches for employing organizations, often concentrating on senior-level roles. They work as an extension of the company's staff and are often more driven to locate the best applicant. They are typically paid around one-third of the yearly pay of the post. Recruiters are not often interested in career transitions.

Recruiters may have access to unpublished vacancies and may be the sole source of applicants for certain positions. They may assist you in preparing for interviews, revising your CV for a specific job, debriefing with you after interviews, and negotiating salary.

Networking is a wonderful approach to discover an executive recruiter. Inquire with individuals in your industry about their experiences with certain recruiters and search agencies. You may also utilize research tools to find executive recruiters in your industry. For example, several cities' business publications publish an annual list of executive search firms. Interview recruiters before agreeing to work with them. Inquire about how many employees with your qualities they hired in the previous year. Alternatively, what industries they specialize in. Determine if they are paid on a contingency or retained basis. Make it clear that you wish to approve each submission made on your behalf. Request recommendations from them. Investigate many options and narrow the field down to three or five to work with. Working with more than one is OK as long as you notify them all about the arrangement. Finally, keep in mind that this is your career. Don't allow a recruiter pressure you into accepting a position that isn't a suitable match for you.

HANDSHAKE

Handshake is a job-posting service that is only available to Dickinson students and alumni. Jobs for alumni are often entry-level roles for persons who graduated within the previous five years.

POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET

You are not doing a successful job search if you spend more than three hours per week applying to jobs on the internet (this does not include time spent researching). This is why. Only 5–10% of job advertisements on the internet result in employment (it is at the higher end for jobs in IT, engineering, finance and healthcare). Everyone's job hunt should include some web research.

Use your time wisely and effectively by restricting your search to the websites of organizations you've targeted; one or two major, general websites, such as Careerbuilder.com or Indeed.com; and one or two industry-specific websites. For example, if you're interested in public relations, visit the Public Relations Society of America's website (prsa.org), or if you're interested in human resources, visit the Society for Human Resource Management's website (shrm.org) (shrm.org). Go to Job Search Links for a comprehensive list of general and industry-specific job search websites. Use job search "agents" to narrow your search by discovering jobs that meet your requirements. Follow up on positions that appeal to you because they fit your employment preferences.

Remove any formatting from your resume and save it as a plain text (.txt) file. When applying online, use this version rather than a prepared (Microsoft Word) version of your resume. There is less risk that it will arrive jumbled to the employer or third-party screener. When sending it to a person, save the visually appealing version. When applying online, please sure you carefully follow the instructions. If feasible, follow up to indicate interest and ensure that your resume was received. See the Alumni Resume and Reference Guide for further advice on preparing resumes for online job advertisements.

JOB MARKETS

For new grads and those in "hot" industries, job fairs may be a valuable source of career leads. They are often ineffective for experienced job searchers. For a list of participating firms and vacant positions, contact the sponsoring organization. Recognize that a job fair may be a fantastic location to practice networking and interviewing even if it does not result in a job. While you should bring copies of your CV to a job fair, it is uncommon for an employer to request one. In most cases, you will be directed to the company's website where you may apply online. Employers use this to streamline their recruiting process and ensure compliance with federal employment requirements. Do an online search to discover a job fair. The "Job & Career Fairs" page on job-hunt.com is a fantastic place to start.

Click on the printable PDF made for students, How to Succeed at a Job Fair, for advice on how to be successful at a job fair. Some employment fairs allow alumni to participate; see Handshake for additional information.